South America Travel News

What Can I Expect When Visiting Brazil for the First Time?

When speaking about a continent-sized country such as Brazil, one could easily get lost in trying to explain to visitors what to initially expect. Brazil is a huge territory comprised of different regions and customs. Therefore, a lot comes to mind when recognizing peculiar differences between places, making this task harder than it seems. Luckily for you, we’re here to give you a sneak-peak at what to expect when visiting Brazil for the first time!

Brazil is full of incredible landscapes

View from Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro Brazil

After arriving in Brazil, you will quickly notice the landscapes are without a doubt some of the most beautiful in the world. The forests of Manaus, the wetlands of Pantanal, the mountains and cobblestone streets of Minas Gerais, the skyscrapers of São Paulo, the astonishing views of Corcovado or Sugar Loaf in Rio, the lush Tijuca Forest, and the Botanic Garden’s flora & fauna.

Botanical Gardens in Rio de Janeiro

With the number of beautiful places in Brazil, we could spend an entire year just talking about them. Most of the spots we just mentioned offer great landscape sightseeing too. Everywhere you look will be a new, surprising experience. To get the most out of your trip, incorporate places outside of commonly known sites to fully appreciate what Brazil has to offer.

Brazilian locals welcome international travelers

Another important thing you should expect when visiting Brazil for the first time is that Brazilians are extremely friendly. Especially to foreigners! Although a very small part of the population speaks English as a second language, the majority of the population will try and help travelers with whatever they need. They will help you with directions, restaurant recommendations, and anything else that might be on your mind.

Our arranged private Brazilian guides bring their friendly demeanor along to any private tour. Their pleasant demeanor makes traveling to Brazil exciting and interesting. Also, since all of our guides are either bilingual or multi-lingual, you do not need to worry about getting information from the locals. Your guide can point you in the right direction for whatever you might be looking for!

Brazil is a melting pot of diversity

Brazilian diversity is displayed everywhere in its people, its landscape, and its food. Brazil is composed of immigrants from many different places (Germans and Italians in the South, Japanese in São Paulo, afro-descendants in Rio and Bahia, indigenous natives in the North). Its flora and fauna demonstrate a spectacular show of colors and shapes differing from region to region. We offer Brazil travel packages introducing travelers to a taste of diversity anywhere in Brazil: the Amazon, the Pantanal, and even Foz do Iguassu.

Foz do Iguassu, Brazil

Brazilian food is known to be some of the most colorful and tasteful in the world. The local comfort food from the State of Minas Gerais (“comida mineira“) deserves a special place in the hearts of the locals. Though the food in Rio is some of the best in Brazil as well! Experience traditional Brazilian food classes, walking food tours among the locals, and wine tasting on a Brazil food tour.

Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish

Brazilians do not speak Spanish, as most of the international media makes it seem. Rather, everyone in Brazil speaks Portuguese. Portuguese is the only language spoken by 99% of Brazilian citizens. The only regional differences are accents and slang. This language unity is incredible considering the size of Brazil. It is difficult for a country with more than 8.5 million square kilometers and over 200 million people to have such unity. What about the 1% of the population left mentioned above, that doesn’t speak Portuguese? Those are the recluse indigenous tribes, mostly in the Amazon region. They do not have, nor have they had, any interference or contact with another human outside of the tribe to this day, speaking one of their 274 official native languages.

Though you’ll hear the locals speaking Portuguese, you do not need to worry about being fluent in Portuguese when visiting Brazil for the first time. Luckily, our custom Brazil tours include a specialized English-speaking local guide. Your English-speaking guide will ease any worries about language barriers. They will also offer timely information and suggestions which may be hard to come by on your own.

Brazil is the perfect place to slow-down while on a vacation

Brazil moves at a different pace. You will promptly notice an absence in a sense of urgency or speed when a local does something. For instance, the waiter pauses to bring a check to the table so you can enjoy an excellent dinner of traditional Brazilian cuisine without being interrupted. In Rio de Janeiro, you’ll also notice the locals savoring the sunshine at Copacabana beach. It’s normal on the weekdays to relax in the sun and enjoy an ice-cold Brazilian beer. Follow the pace of the locals, and indulge in ultimate relaxation while in Brazil.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

However, take note that this does not apply to the traffic in Brazil, especially in the big cities. Brazilians drive fast, which is why we do not recommend driving on your own while on vacation in Brazil. Instead, we strongly recommend and organize private transfers. We assure you these drivers will be on time and very careful with you and your luggage wherever you go.

Brazil is a massive colonial gem

The answers to your questions about Brazilian culture can be found in the lush forests, charming towns, and bustling cities across the country. From the arrival of the Portuguese in Brazil in 1500 to the Jesuits crossing the land directed to the far west and bringing “the word” to the indigenous deep inside the wild new land, going through the wars and disputes that took place on different times and different areas of that huge country, Brazilian history is a tale that continuously marvels those who knows so very little about how things operate in Brazil.

Ouro Preto, Brazil

Why not widen up your knowledge visiting historical sites and cities that have plenty more tales to tell? We are absolutely certain you will find out why Brazil is as rich in history as it is beautiful in its diversities on our Colonial Gems & Historic Cities Brazil tour.

Any country we visit or live in will have differences when compared with what we’re used to at home. It’s important to get out of our bubble, experience new places and cultures, and to get a global perspective. Brazil is certainly an outstanding country to embark on this new perspective. Contact one of our Travel Consultants today so that you can tell your friends about visiting Brazil for the first time.